ASUU Threatens Legal Action Over Tinubu Government’s Renaming Of UNIMAID

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has vowed to take legal action against the federal government over its decision to rename the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement released Friday and signed by the branch chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and assistant secretary, Peter Teri, the union said the decision was unanimously rejected during an emergency congress held on July 24. The meeting included ASUU members, student union representatives, and other key stakeholders.

ASUU-UNIMAID described the renaming as “ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation.” The union said the move disregards the university’s 50-year legacy and identity, and undermines the autonomy of public universities.

“Congress views any attempt to rename the University of Maiduguri as a flagrant disregard for university autonomy, a disruption of cherished academic traditions, and a direct affront to the collective heritage of the university community,” the statement said.

The union accused the Tinubu administration of bypassing due process and stakeholder engagement. It said the ASUU-UNIMAID executive committee had been directed to pursue all legal channels to challenge the name change and preserve the institution’s original identity.

ASUU also called on its national body, other university branches, student groups, civil society organisations, and the National Assembly to reject any move to legalise the renaming.

The union is demanding an immediate and unconditional reversal of the decision, warning that political interference in public university governance sets a dangerous precedent.